1. Studies in Ephesians (8) Dead in Trespasses and Sins Ephesians 2:1-3

2. Ephesians 1:15-22 Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians. That they might know the power of God Demonstrated in Jesus – by raising Him from the dead, exalting Him in heavenly places and making Him head over the church. Today, how His power affects our salvation

3. Our former conduct (2:1-3) “And you” – tied to previous text. Paul now turns to the grace of God ( 2:1-10 ) “He made alive”, not in mss (but implied – see vs. 5 ) “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins…” (NASU)

4. Our former conduct (2:1-3) “ dead in trespasses and sins” Spiritual death – death is separation. ( Jas. 2:26, cf. Luke 8:55 ) Death in our text – spiritual separation from God – Rom. 6:23, Col. 2:13, Eph. 2:5-6; Isa. 59:1-2

5. Our former conduct (2:1-3) Trespasses – to violate moral standards. One who goes into territory not authorized. Matthew 6:14, Jas. 5:16, Rom. 5:15-18 – offenses, sin – Eph. 1:7

6. Our former conduct (2:1-3) Sins – to miss the mark. A departure from divine standards of uprightness. Both sins of commission and omission. How many of us minimize certain sins? To God, there is NO difference!

7. Our former conduct (2:1-3) In which you once walked – “Walk” used some 7 times in Ephesians – our manner of life Typically – we have 2 paths Matt. 7:13-14 You USED to walked in it – Col. 3:3, Rom. 6:5-6, Eph. 4:22

8. Our former conduct (2:1-3) According to the prince of the power of the air Satan – 2 Cor. 4:4, John 12:31, 14:30 The power of the air is reference to this realm 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Tim. 2:26

9. Our former conduct (2:1-3) The spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience he still rules – Eph. 4:17-19, 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 1 John 5:19 It is a mistake to dismiss Satan’s power! BUT it is limited - 1 John 4:4, John 14:30

10. Our former conduct (2:1-3) Among whom we all once conducted ourselves Romans 3:23 Paul includes himself – 1 Tim. 1:12-15 But we have changed – 1 Cor. 6:11

11. Our former conduct (2:1-3) In the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind Lust – 1 John 2:15-16, Gal. 5:19-21, 1 Pet. 4:3-5 We overcome lusts – Romans 13:14, 6:12, 1 Peter 1:14

12. Our former conduct (2:1-3) …and of the mind Sins of the heart, evil attitudes, etc. cf. 1 John 4:20-12

13. Our former conduct (2:1-3) Were by nature children of wrath If you are not a child of God, you are a child of wrath! John 3:36, Rom. 1:18, 2:5-9, Colossians 3:6 This includes the “religious” – Paul, Cornelius, devout Jews on Pentecost, etc.

14. Our former conduct (2:1-3) Were by nature children of wrath “by nature” does NOT mean, inherited sin or depravity! Consider Romans 2:14 Also, “you once walked” – their actions. Finally, WHEN they became “children of wrath” not mentioned.

15. God’s Grace (2:4-10) In spite of our hopeless state, God “made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)”

16. All of us have a past! But it does NOT need to follow us into eternity OR into our future! Will you accept the gift of God grace?